MFA Awards $2 Million for Acquisition and Rehabilitation of Recovery Housing Across New Mexico
The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) Board of Directors recently approved two awards of $969,499 to Hozho Center for Personal Enhancement and $1,144,213 to Crossroads for Women for the Recovery Housing Program (RHP). The Recovery Housing Program (RHP) supports individuals in recovery from substance abuse disorder (SUD) on their path to self-sufficiency by providing funds to qualified service providers to develop or maintain recovery housing and services.
The Recovery Housing Program (RHP) was authorized under the Support for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act. Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated funding to states with an age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths above the national overdose mortality rate. New Mexico was ranked thirteen in 2020 and received an RHP allocation of $940,000. MFA received subsequent allocations for FY21, FY22, and FY23 totaling $4.1 million.
According to a New Mexico Substance Use Disorder Treatment Gap Analysis presented by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), substance use is a significant public health issue in New Mexico. Despite being fundamental to recovery, accessibility to long-term housing is insufficient for homeless and low- and moderate-income individuals impacted by substance abuse disorder, mental health conditions, and criminal justice involvement. The Gap Analysis revealed that of those exiting treatment for substance use disorder or mental health conditions, only 50% of those in need received housing assistance.
MFA awarded funds through a competitive application process based on project readiness, financial feasibility, project design and implementation, and ability to meet all program requirements.
Hozho Center for Personal Enhancement – Gallup, NM - $969,499
The mission of the Hozho Center is to serve the community by providing information, opportunity, support, and hope. This project will provide National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) Level 2 recovery housing, addressing the gap between the only 30-day detox program and establishing long-term housing in Gallup. The awarded funding will go towards the acquisition and improvement of an existing property that can serve up to 50 individuals recovering from substance use disorder. Hozho will offer services such as; education and employment assistance, relapse prevention, and recovery groups in addition to recovery housing.
Crossroads for Women – Albuquerque, NM, - $1,144,213
The mission of Crossroads for Women is to provide comprehensive, integrated services to empower women emerging from incarceration to achieve safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives, for themselves and their children. The awarded funds will support the rehabilitation of an existing building for recovery housing and specialized services such as intensive case management, psycho-educational groups, and other services related to mental health and recovery support.